Just last week was Transgender Awareness week, followed by Transgender Remembrance Day. The transgender Awareness week is from the 13th to the 19th of November. This time is dedicated to shedding light on the lived experiences of transgender individuals through education, advocacy, and celebrations. Following this, on the 20th of November, individuals come together to observe Transgender Remembrance Day. This day memorializes those who have passed away due to gender-based violence.
Towards the end of Transgender Awareness week, five people were killed in an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado. This act has wholly dismantled the aim of Transgender Awareness week and has only perpetuated violence toward minorities. This article will address the hate crime which has taken place in Colorado, America. This hope is that this article will spread awareness of the amount of hate-crime transgender individuals face and, as allies, what we can do to help.
On the 19th of November, there was a shooting at an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado, America. According to BBC News, this nightclub, called Club Q, has been “the heart of our community [LGBTQIA+] for so long.” After the incident, five individuals were confirmed dead, and several were injured. Two of who, were transgender. The gunman is facing five murder charges, among other tasks. Discussing the criminal here is unimportant.
It is pivotal to shed light on the people who lost their lives that day. These individuals lost their lives because they chose to live fearlessly, being part of the community and supporting the movement.
The act of gender-based violence is something transgender and on-binary people know all too well. In a report by the Government Equalities Office, 41% of transgender men and women said they had experienced a hate crime because of their gender identity. Furthermore, 67% of transgender men and women outwardly avoid addressing their gender identity. Due to the sheer amount of hate-crime transgender people experience, TransActual found that in 2021, 65% of transgender individuals are ‘very likely to avoid a social situation if there are any implications of transphobia.
In conclusion, hate crimes will continue until people accept the transgender community. As a society, we can change others' transgressive perceptions of transgender identities. Rather than laws demonizing transgender people, we can sign petitions to get laws changed. This is currently the case in the United Kingdom. We can change the social rhetoric surrounding transgender identities and, through education, create a world where it is safe to live as a minority.
Picture source: https://www.google.com/search?q=colorado+shooting+2022+bbc&rlz=1C1CHZN_enGB1033GB1033&hl=en-GB&sxsrf=ALiCzsalM1tPXrdbfjlz5t3HDdYVBuUunA:1669460289659&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiUl6Cc2Mv7AhVOUMAKHcYJDoEQ_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1280&bih=646&dpr=1.5#imgrc=aEhHdB9WXhxvdM
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